Thera, Santorini - Lost Atlantis?
Photo Journal

Akrotiri, Thera (Santorini): A Cosmopolitan Harbor Town of the Second Millennium B.C. in the East Mediterranean - a Lecture by Professor Christos G. Doumas
by Contributing Writer Elena Kerasiotis

Antiquities of Santorini, an island famous for its Aegean vistas and hilltop retreats, was the topic of discussion at a recent lecture presented by Christos G. Doumas, Emeritus Professor of Archaeology, University of Athens, Director of the Excavations at Akrotiri, Thera (Santorini). The Foundation for Modern Greek Studies (FMGS) in cooperation with the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation (U.S.A.) hosted the event at Cranbrook Academy of Art, deSalle Auditorium, Cranbrook Art Museum, Bloomfield Hills, MI.
.
Kalliope Balatsouka, M.A., Director of Cultural and Educational Affairs introduced Professor Doumas to the audience of over two hundred for FMGS. "I had the opportunity to study under Professor Doumas in Greece and I'm honored to welcome him this evening." His reputation and contribution to the excavations at Thera have assured its being established and preserved as one of the historic marvels of its period.

Professor Doumas warmly greeted the gathering, announcing how pleased he was to see "the largest audience in the US." Modestly he acknowledged Ms. Balatsouka's accolades quoting, "Where you hear there are large cherries, bring a small basket." He began his presentation, "Akrotiri, Thera (Santorini): A Cosmopolitan Harbor Town of the Second Millennium B.C. in the East Mediterranean," by giving us a guided tour through the chambers of the excavation at different period levels of discovery. He advised that the excavation site spanned over three acres and contains more than 150 trenches. The entire location is roofed to protect the stratography due to the lack of cohesion remaining in the support walls.

He shares that Akrotiri of the second millennium BC was a center for metallurgy and an urban center of wealth, boasting city planning, streets, a sophisticated sewage system, and a division of labor, artisans, weavers, and potters. He presented a series of photos, see photo gallery, if vases decorated with pomegranates, gryphons, ( ½ eagle, ½ lion mythological animal) and plant fauna.

More importantly he advises that these artifacts are similar to finds in neighboring cyclades islands, Mykanos, Crete, Asia Minor and even Egypt, establishing Thera as an area leader in commerce and trade.

He reflects that the wealth found in the excavations suggest that Thera was not only a producer of product but also the center of maritime trade, offering shipping as a primary service. He produced further evidence of the vastness of the trade activity by describing weights used to measure cargo, as well as, uniform measuring vessels for liquid transports. Further more the art of the period was advanced and reflects Egyptian and Mesopotamian influences, which again support Thera's major role in the trading industry of the area.

During the lively question and answer period, Professor Doumas states that private homes contained elaborate wall paintings that were visible from the street and that public building murals were visible only upon entry, suggesting there use was to "initiate or educate."

Discussion followed regarding the spoken language and the origin of the inhabitants, the professor advises that Linear A findings in the area are non-statistically reliable but are being investigated. No Linear B findings however have been found due to the volcanic eruption and earthquake believed to have occurred 1550 - 1620 BC.

When asked if Thera was indeed the lost Atlantis, he replied, "We have to bear in mind that Atlantis was only mentioned in the Dialogues of Plato, when he describes Atlantis as the ideal city-state, created by the gods of Olympus, given laws, wealth and power. And in return, the inhabitants became arrogant and neglected the gods. In retribution, Zeus gathered the other gods to determine how to deal with Atlantis and determined that it would sink and would be forever lost." He continues, "Atlantis the ideal city-state, is more likely a utopia carried inside of ourselves."

He concluded that the people of Thera were primary developers of the early culture of the Aegean, which led to Greece, and ultimately western civilization.

At the conclusion of the presentation, Dr. Dimitrios Pallas, president of the FMGS acknowledged Dr. Doumas' commitment to promoting Hellenism and awarded him a certificate of acknowledgment and honorary membership to the Foundation Board.

A reception wirh a rich assortment of appetizers, fruits and Greek pastries followed, allowing guests continued opportunity to discuss the information covered with the speaker, as well as to share mutual experiences and memories of Santorini.

Malista!